1. Malignaggi’s Challenge to Canelo: A Voice from the Pundit’s Corner
Paulie Malignaggi, never one to hold back his opinions, has stirred the pot once again. The former world champion and now boxing commentator is calling out Canelo Alvarez, demanding that the Mexican superstar vacate his remaining three super middleweight titles. Malignaggi’s frustration stems from Canelo’s decision to bypass David Benavidez, his former WBC mandatory, in favor of other challengers. Malignaggi’s latest comments have set off a firestorm in the boxing community, reigniting debates about Canelo’s legacy and the politics of title defenses.
2. The Benavidez Conundrum: The Fight That Never Was
For years, fans have been clamoring for a showdown between Canelo and David Benavidez, a clash that many believed would determine the true king of the 168-lb division. However, with Benavidez moving up to light heavyweight, that dream fight seems to have slipped through the cracks. Malignaggi believes that Canelo’s decision to avoid Benavidez tarnishes his legacy and that he should relinquish his titles if he doesn’t plan on facing the top contenders in the division.
3. A Mandate Ignored: Canelo’s Recent Defenses Under Scrutiny
Canelo Alvarez has been busy, no doubt, defending his titles against WBA mandatory Edgar Berlanga and previously against Jaime Munguia, his WBO mandatory. But for Malignaggi, these defenses fall short of what the sport demands. Benavidez, the dangerous and undefeated powerhouse, has been waiting in the wings, and Malignaggi argues that Canelo’s avoidance of this matchup is a glaring omission.
4. “Benavidez Would Run Him Over Like a Train”: Malignaggi’s Bold Prediction
Malignaggi’s criticism is not limited to Canelo’s choices; he’s gone as far as to predict the outcome of a hypothetical Canelo vs. Benavidez bout. “I think Benavidez runs him over like a train, like a car stuck on the train tracks,” Malignaggi stated bluntly. Such a fight might have been a blockbuster, but with Benavidez now competing at 175 lbs, it seems we’ll never know if Malignaggi’s prediction would have come true.
5. The Shift to Light Heavyweight: Benavidez’s New Path
Benavidez has moved on, literally and figuratively. Now competing at 175 lbs, he’s set his sights on the likes of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, fighters who match his size and skill. Malignaggi notes that this shift underscores the missed opportunity at 168 lbs, where Benavidez might have cemented his status as the division’s best. Instead, Benavidez now faces the challenge of making his mark in a new weight class, leaving the super middleweight landscape without one of its most exciting fighters.
6. Canelo’s Title Reign: A Retirement Tour in the Making?
Malignaggi’s suggestions don’t stop at criticism. He proposes that Canelo should vacate his titles and embark on a “retirement tour,” much like Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. did at the twilight of his career. According to Malignaggi, this would allow Canelo to fight on his terms without the pressure of defending titles against the best in the division. It’s a move that could redefine Canelo’s final years in the sport, though it’s unlikely to satisfy those who want to see him face the toughest challenges available.
7. The Politics of Boxing: Canelo and the Alphabet Titles
Canelo has already given up one title, the IBF, after the sanctioning body ordered him to defend against William Scull. Malignaggi speculates that if the other three governing bodies were to force Canelo into similar situations, he might relinquish those belts as well. For Malignaggi, Canelo’s reluctance to face mandatory challengers like Benavidez only reinforces the need for him to step aside and let the next generation of fighters vie for the titles.
8. The Fury of Turki Alalshikh: More than Just Tune-Up Fights
Paulie Malignaggi also touched on the broader landscape of boxing, particularly the role of promoter Turki Alalshikh in shaping major fights. Malignaggi praised Turki for organizing high-profile matchups but criticized the perception that some of these fights are mere “tune-ups.” He cited examples like the Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang fight, where Zhang unexpectedly knocked out Wilder, as proof that no fight should be taken lightly.
9. The Future of Heavyweight Boxing: Joshua, Fury, and the Road Ahead
The discussion inevitably turned to the heavyweight division, where Turki Alalshikh is working to arrange a fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. Malignaggi expressed concerns about overlooking potential threats like Daniel Dubois, who could derail these plans if he defeats Joshua. The unpredictability of boxing, Malignaggi argues, means that every fight must be approached with caution, regardless of what the promoters might hope for.
10. Canelo’s Legacy: A Career at the Crossroads
As Canelo Alvarez navigates the final chapters of his illustrious career, the decisions he makes now will have lasting implications for his legacy. Malignaggi’s harsh critique serves as a reminder that, in the eyes of some, Canelo has unfinished business at 168 lbs. Whether he chooses to vacate his titles or continue defending them, the boxing world will be watching closely. For now, the debate rages on: Is Canelo still the king of the super middleweights, or has he avoided the one challenge that could dethrone him?
